Travel - The Hungry Nomad

Quick Getaway (Salamina, Greece)

June 13, 2011 No Comments

We just had a long lovely weekend here in Greece. For most Athenians this means finding a way to escape the city. While not as popular with tourists as Hydra, Spetses or Aegina, Salamina does draw its fair amount of locals in search for a quick day trip, clean beaches and the famous Greek blue seas.

And understandably so: getting there is a breeze and dirt cheap (a ticket for the ferry boat is only 0,80 cents as a lot of commuters leave the island daily to work in the city). What I also liked about the island is that it’s unlike the southern suburbs of Athens where most beaches are ‘organized’ and fully packed, meaning you pay a hefty entrance fee to get to the sea. So while Salamina lacks the charm and infrastructure of the more popular getaways, it makes up for it with its proximity, affordability and relaxed atmosphere. All in all, I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon there of sun, sea and a little crochet.

Greece, Travel

Live the Myth in Greece-Part I (Mykonos & Paros, Greece)

June 9, 2011 No Comments

Yiassou Readers,

Todays post is dedicated to Greece (Ελλάδα). I hope you enjoy.

In a different life I found myself spending endless summer nights and hot summer days in Greece. Oh greece (sigh)s’aga po. When I lived in Switzerland, there was a tourism commercial advertising travel to Greece. Its motto was “Live the myth in Greece“…and I am happy that I got to live my myth in Greece. For as soon as I stepped into this land of the gods everything about it seemed magical and mythical. It felt like a really great dream…the ones you don’t want to wake up from. From the beauty and history of Athens to the charm and mouth-dropping scenery of the islands…Greece really offers it all.

This blog post is dedicated to Mykonos and Paros. Better known as the cosmopolitan party island, Mykonos has everything to offer from amazing beaches to great night life and lets not mention the food which also deserves its own post. Mykonos is a great example of unique Cycladic architecture set around a picturesque fishing-village bay. Totally whitewashed organic cube-like buildings fit closely together to form a kind of haphazard maze of narrow alley ways and streets. The earth colors of the bare hills which surround the town’s whiteness is set between the aura of an incredibly blue sky and even deeper blue sparkling sea. Its many well preserved windmills and hundreds of tiny red-roofed churches adds a flavor of culture and custom to the scene, enhanced even further by many museums and the historical ancient site of Delos. Together with being friendly and open people, the locals have a healthy understanding of what it means to have a good time. Put this together with all the island’s other qualities and it is no wonder Mykonos has been often named “the jewel” of the Aegean Sea.

As summer approaches I can’t stop thinking of Greece, greek food, greek music and the magic of the greek islands. And I secretly pray to the greek gods to return me to the land of magic…but for now I can only dream as I sit behind my computer. If you haven’t already make sure you live your own myth in Greece.

Fields of wheat and a secluded beach in Paros

Field of Dreams- Paros

Fisherman’s boats in Paros

Volcanic formations at the beach in Paros(one of my favorites)

The famous windmills in Mykonos

The famous Mykonos Pelican

The local papoos

View from my patio

Room with a view

My dream summer home perched over a cliff leading to a beautiful secluded beach with crystal blue water

All those balconies are amazing bars and clubs

Italy, Travel

A weekend in Chianti (Tuscany, Italy)

April 18, 2011 1 Comment

Here are a few photos of a distant trip to Tuscany in Italy. Living in Switzerland allowed for such wonderful weekend trips. I have to say that is what I miss most about living in Europe: being able to get up and go and within hours find myself in a new country, new language, new culture, new food… and come back a few days later feeling completely refreshed. You can’t find that kind of experience and culture anywhere in North America. On this particular trip a few friends and I decided to drive from Geneva to Italy for a long weekend. We arrived in a small village in the Chianti region after a long drive from Geneva. Our host’s (a lovely Swiss-German friend) family own a lovely villa and ‘auberge’ in Tuscany. The house was converted from old stables into a lovely modern-eco friendly residence including its very own swimming pool and tennis courts. The rooms looked onto the beautiful Tuscan valley. The best part was the beautiful kitchen which included a brick stove oven (where many pizzas were made).

In the morning we drove to the village market where we feasted on fresh Italian delicacies. We gathered food for our weekend and went back to the Villa where we made fresh baked breads and pizza while drinking local Chianti wine literally from the backyard.

The nightly grand Italian feast

In the mornings we would go for walks through the scenic valley and stop in at various vineyards. I literally stumbled upon the most beautiful houses (my dream summer home is just below).

I hope these photos have inspired you to take your own culinary trip to Tuscany.

On the way back you can always stop in Florence. I have been to Florence several times and the first time around fell absolutely in love with it (mind you I was 16 at the time). But I was convinced that I belonged in Florence and needed to shape my life in order to end up there. The entire city of Florence is a walking museum and oozes beauty and culture from every corner and every street. The Gelato shops aren’t bad either.

Italy, Sicily, Travel

An evening stroll (Sicily, Italy)

April 2, 2011 No Comments

Now that the soil starts to give us this lovely spring scent and colorful flowers are starting to pop up all over, I’m starting to dream of summer evening strolls once more. For those of you who love walks as much as I do, as much as feeling the lingering heat of the day and smelling the promise of amazing restaurants you’re passing by, here a few images captured at the enchanting island of Sicily. And yes, the last picture shows an incredible teeny tiny bar hidden inside a little gateway. Anyone up for a drink?

Paris, Travel

Hermé pas Hermes (Paris, France)

March 17, 2011 No Comments

72 Rue Bonaparte/185 rue Vaugirard, Paris

In the mood for chocolate, macaroons, bonbons? Why not stop at Pierre Hermé? Not to be confused with Hermes with an ‘S’ better know as every fashionista’s mecca for luxury handbags and belts.

It is this confusion that led us to Pierre Hermé. My friend and I were in a desperate search for the the Hermes store in Paris…however due to the pronunciation we were led to Pierre Hermé. Not that I was complaining. I’d way rather indulge in expensive chocolate than a leather belt. This discovery however, was not easy on the pockets as what Hermes represents in fashion, Pierre Hermé represents in delicious mouth-watering sweets. The shop is pretty small, smart, simple yet chic where you will be welcomed by a sweet/chocolate connoisseurs (although it is Paris- so lower your customer service expectations) who will teach you about each selection and help you with your picks. Although I love macaroons- at Pierre Hermé I often tend to go for the chocolate truffles and other sweets. Be advised that this is not the cheapest spot in Paris to fill your belly with chocolate delights… but I do promise that the experience will be well worth it.

Netherlands, Sweets, Travel

Stroopwafels (The Hague, The Netherlands)

March 12, 2011 2 Comments

Living in a country with an amazing reputation when it comes to their cuisine, it’s easy to forget the trusty food from back home which has served me so well for years. However, leaving for my home country shortly, I can’t wait to get my hands on a hot stroopwafel. Don’t confuse these caramel waffles with their Belgian cousins, but they are equally delicious. Caramel waffles are even popular internationally, and I’ve noticed them in several countries at a certain large coffee chain. When in the Netherlands, my advice for the best stroopwafel experience is to keep an eye out for a waffle stand out on the streets and treat yourself to a warm, soft but crunchy, crumbling waffle. Alternatively, when you happen to stumble into a package of waffles somewhere, quickly rush home and put your waffle in the microwave for 5 seconds and you come very close to that lovely fresh waffle experience.

Istanbul, Sweets, Travel, Turkey

Sweet Tooth (Istanbul, Turkey)

February 27, 2011 No Comments

This week I leave you with little words but with all the more sugary and syrupy goodness hailing from Turkey. Kadayif, lokum (turkish delights), traditional candies, baklava… My favorites: coffee, mastic and bergamot flavored candies from this lovely historic store. Can you make out all their awards hanging there on the wall to the left?

Travel, Vancouver

A Winter Day at Granville Island Market (Vancouver, Canada)

February 24, 2011 4 Comments

Whenever back in Vancouver, the first place I like to visit is the Granville Island Market. It is actually my favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday. Located under the south side of the Granville Bridge, Granville Island market has everything you can ask for. From fresh produce at the Public market to art galleries, theatre, restaurants and my personal favorite: stationary shops…I promise you won’t leave empty handed.

I start my voyage by taking the water taxi across the inlet. It’s a great way to get there and pretty affordable. First stop is the public market: a never-ending row of colorful stalls, showcasing homemade products, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, Mediterranean products, teas, coffees and the list can keeps going.

Enjoying the view from Burrard Street Bridge

Directly adjacent to the Public Market is the stores and galleries including my favorite stationary shop, hat shop, and postcard shop. One of my favorites is Beadworks. Here you can make your own jewelry from a wide array of colorful beads.

Next are the flowers (located in the Public market). I absolutely LOVE flowers and am trying to make it a habit of having fresh flowers in my apartment at all times. What can I say flowers make me happy!

The Count and I absolutely LOVE cheese, cured meats and other such delicacies. So much that we would both choose to have a meal consisting of bread and cheese over a nice meal any day. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this particular section of the market always makes my mouth water.

The fresh produce market is also a delight. The fruits and vegetables are all stacked delicately and look more like works of art than fruit stands.

And then there are the fresh baked breads, bagels and pastries. I think by now you all have a good sense of how I feel about pastries. So need I say more? The pictures are pretty self-explanatory.

Off in a corner street at Granville Island is the Lobster Man. Here you can buy fresh seafood including lobsters, clams, oysters and crabs. Although, I personally can’t bare to eat crab and lobster after seeing them floating around alive in the water.

While at Granville Island you will become very well acquainted with the local seagull. Some Vancouverites hate seagulls but i absolutely adore them. When I hear seagulls in the morning and see them flying around it makes me realize I am home. Besides you will never see such beautiful creatures anywhere else in the world. Our seagulls are extremely big (perhaps its all the fresh fish they eat),very clean, extremely loud and not afraid to grab food directly from your hands.

I also never miss an opportunity to make new friends at Granville Island. This is my newest friend. Our friendship sparked over some food.

Athens, Greece, Travel

A Weekend Out (Athens, Greece)

February 20, 2011 No Comments

Athens is a city which has lots to offer: history, culture, arts, food. You name it, you’ll find it. And if there is one thing Athens is good at, it’s entertaining its visitors. Two places I’ll share with you today. Both a little outside the city centre, both equally enjoyable but each with its own distinct flavor. I apologize for the slightly dim pictures, I sometimes still struggle with my camera after dark..

The Railway Carriage Theatre ‘To Treno sto Rouf’ (The Train at Rouf) runs theatre and music shows in some beautifully renovated train wagons. The music wagon of today is the original restaurant wagon of the famous ‘Orient Express’ dating back to 1924. While enjoying a meal, a small band plays on around you in the intimate surroundings of the wagon. I haven’t experienced any concert like this before and I absolutely love the concept, especially for a romantic night out. If you’re in town, be sure to check out what shows are on.

Another nice stop for the weekend- but in size exactly the opposite- is the Kitchen Bar in the Kalamaki area. This spacious bar/restaurant offers coffee, drinks and American-style food. I am a big fan of the traditional Greek cafés and small taverns in the centre of Athens. But if you’re looking to escape the city bustle just for a bit, the Kitchen Bar offers you a view of the bay and an island-feel from their airy and pleasant restaurant. You’ll find a mixed crowd here, which makes for great people watching.

Italy, Travel

Summer Inspiration II (Sicily, Italy)

February 13, 2011 1 Comment

Number two of Kim’s post on Sicily, enjoy!

Today I’ll be sharing a bit more of sunny Sicily. My favorite part of the island was by far the Southeast, where the pretty baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica, Noto and Syracuse are to be found. On the East coast Catania, Acireale and Taormina are popular tourist destinations. Rightly so, they’re gorgeous towns close to the impressive volcano Etna and with some beautiful spots for swimming nearby. I’d also suggest not to miss out on beautiful drives around central Sicily and the Unesco World Heritage-listed Valley of the Temples in the South.